Classic Art London
New Summer event launches for London’s dealers in old and modern masterworks with in-gallery selling exhibitions, talks and events programme Monday 23 June to Friday 4 July 2025
A new collegial event launches this summer joining together leading dealers in old and modern master paintings, drawings, sculpture and works of art under the umbrella of Classic Art London from 23 June to 4 July. At the height of the capital’s Summer Season, galleries will stage important selling exhibitions that coincide with sales at the major auction houses and a wide range of antiques and art events such as the RA’s Summer Exhibition, Treasure House Fair and Trois Crayons.
Classic Art London will focus international attention on London’s pre-contemporary art market and features specialist dealers centred mainly around St. James’s and Mayfair. A robust talks programme has been devised to discuss academic and engaging subjects of interest to museum curators, collectors and aficionados as well as the public. Classic Art London pinpoints the capital as an exciting destination for buyers of art from all periods, ancient to twentieth century.
Rachel Elwes of Ben Elwes Fine Art says: “Collegial dealer-led initiatives have been critical in promoting London’s unrivalled expertise, and in convening collectors, curators and enthusiasts from around the world. In contrast to an art fair, this event showcases the capital’s galleries and offers a chance for visitors to explore, for dealers to explain, and for camaraderie amongst the community both new and old – all in celebration of classic art.” Among highlights to visit during Classic Art London will be a group of works by J.M.W. Turner at Guy Peppiatt Fine Art; important bronzes including works of the great Renaissance sculptors at Colnaghi; a newly-discovered and never-before-seen collection of watercolours by Constance Gordon-Cumming (1837-1924), A Lady of Adventurous Disposition, with Karen Taylor Fine Art, and ottocento Venezia – the lost century – at Charles Beddington Ltd.
Confirmed selling exhibition subjects include exceptional terracotta sculpture at Trinity Fine Art; British Impressionists at David Messum Fine Art; portrait miniatures with The Limner Company; The New English Look at Rountree Tryon Galleries and Fine Art Commissions featuring portraits of people, animals and sporting pictures; works on paper from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries at Nonesuch Gallery; Italian ceramics with Justin Raccanello, and exceptional handmade antique frames at Paul Mitchell Ltd who supply many of the world’s leading museums.
The accompanying programme will feature book launches, academic partnership events with the likes of The Society for the History of Collecting and Burlington magazine, and talks encompassing such themes as: J.M.W. Turner, the impact of climate change on art and collections, nineteenth century Venice, Joshua Reynolds, fantasy versus reality in portraiture, and the rising trend in institutional shared ownership and curation.
Karen Taylor Fine Art, showing at Gallery 8 Duke Street, comments: “London has so much to offer at the end of June and beginning of July from Ascot to Wimbledon and summer operas alongside art events. I always have a summer exhibition in St James’s and a joint marketing strategy which makes it easy for visitors to navigate their way from one dealer to another has become expected. Classic Art London is a welcome phoenix to rise from the ashes of previous endeavours.”
Classic Art London will include a map drawn by illustrator Adam Dant to unite all the venues, late night openings and parties, as well as special tours and Meet The Expert dealer events. “London galleries are key players in the international art market” says Tom Dawnay of Trinity Fine Art. “They offer a wealth of knowledge and discoveries. This event serves to maintain the presence of London’s preeminent galleries on the art map, link them together and give them more visibility on the busy London Arts calendar.”
Watercolours and drawings specialist Guy Peppiatt Fine Art adds: “I am very much looking forward to participating in the first Classic Art London from our gallery in St. James’s. It is an important time of year for us when many private clients and museum curators from abroad come to London. An event like this gives them an added incentive to make the trip to view the many varied and exciting exhibitions.”
Henry Parsons Rivière (London, 1811 – 1888), The Girandola above the Castel Sant’Angelo, watercolour with bodycolour, 55 x 68 cm, Nonesuch Gallery
A more detailed programme and schedule of exhibitions will be announced in April. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to sign up at info@classicartlondon.uk or via the website to receive newsletters and start following Classic Art London on Instagram to see future news.
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